Three years ago, Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Cllr Etheridge, who leads Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Independent Group, found out he had cancer after being sent a testing kit when he turned 60.

He was one of 43,000 people across the UK who are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Cllr Etheridge later had surgery to remove the tumour on his bowel, which was the size of a tennis ball.

Despite being told the cancer had not spread and that he didn’t need chemotherapy, the anxiety of the situation caused Cllr Etheridge to lose three stone in weight.

Now, Cllr Etheridge, who is a voluntary counsellor with Bowel Cancer UK, says it is essential that everyone takes the screening when offered it.

“Looking back now, it is vital that more people are aware of the test, because taking it could save lives.”

He continued: “The waiting period between scans and results is the worst because you fear the worst.

“Luckily the tumour had not spread. But months of worry, stress and anxiety also led to three stone in weight loss during the period.”

Only 55% of people in Wales take up the offer of these tests, which are offered by the NHS and provided by Bowel Screening Wales.

In 2020, the Welsh Government committed to expanding the bowel-screening programme to include everyone aged 50-59 by 2023 – a move welcomed by Cllr Etheridge.

For more information about testing kits, visit http://bit.ly/38PYGaU

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. For more information on bowel cancer, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/